½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ

Graduate Launchpad highlights student research in Earth Systems

The eighth edition of the Institute of Earth Systems Graduate Launchpad took place recently at the University of Malta’s Msida Campus. This half-day event on 26 June 2026 highlighted final-year research projects carried out by students reading for the Institute’s B.Sc. (Hons) in Earth Systems, and was compèred by two second-year undergraduates, Ms Hannah Cassar Miceli and Mr Lee Gatt. A selection of photos taken on the day can be viewed on the Institute’s .

An introductory address by Prof. Elisabeth Conrad, Coordinator of the Institute’s Environmental Management and Planning Division, underlined the breadth of the research undertaken by the students across a wide range of environmental themes, on topics that are both locally significant and globally relevant. The projects presented at this event reflect the complex interactions between natural systems and human activities and also demonstrate the importance of adopting a holistic approach in dealing with contemporary environmental issues.

Nine final-year students presented and discussed the results of their research projects on topics that included air quality, hydrological processes, marine environments, biodiversity conservation, sustainable consumption, environmental governance, and cultural heritage preservation. These projects exemplify the integration of multiple scientific disciplines to address complex environmental, social, and technological challenges.

The presentations, together with a total of 11 research posters exhibited in the lecture theatre’s foyer, delivered a complete overview of the student research projects submitted this year. An e-booklet containing abstracts of all twenty research projects was circulated to the event’s attendees, and is also available online.

The Graduate Launchpad provided students with the opportunity to present the results of their research to an audience made up of fellow students, ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ academics, staff from and other post-secondary schools, and representatives from various potential employers. The latter included a number of governmental agencies in the environmental sector, including the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), the Energy and Water Agency (EWA), Ambjent Malta, Project Green, and the Malta Meteorological Office. Representatives from eNGOs including Å»ibel, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta and BirdLife Malta, as well as from Malta Enterprise and from private companies such as Grant Thornton and Deloitte Malta, also attended the event.

The B.Sc. (Hons) in Earth Systems is a three-year undergraduate degree programme which imparts a sound scientific knowledge of the components and processes of Earth systems whilst framing issues of environmental change within a broader context of environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability. for this programme remain open till 22 July 2026; please contact the Course Coordinator, Dr Mark Scerri, for further information.